Don't just get mad about assessments, get involved

Some Bonner County residents are calling for a revolt following the unprecedented increases in property tax valuations this week.

They may be on to something … to a point.

For years, the unwritten rule about property tax assessments here was that the assessment was much lower than what a person would sell his or her property.

That's not the case anymore and in many situations, it appears some of the assessments definitely are higher than what a piece of land would sell for here.

So, what are we going to do about it?

If your first instinct is to put together a picket sign and join the zealot in front of the courthouse, you may want to fight that urge.

It makes the most sense to me to learn where the appraiser came up with the amount for your property. My guess is that should be an easy task.

It also makes sense that our elected officials get serious about full disclosure on real estate transactions so that appraisers won't have to guess what a property is worth.

This has never seriously been discussed in Boise. I plan on reminding my representatives they should push for that.

It also makes sense that every property owner with a legitimate gripe should sign up and attend a Board of Equalization meeting. There is a good chance your property valuation could go down if you do your homework.

Another action would be to attend each of the taxing districts' annual budget meetings. Find out if your tax dollars are being spent correctly. There will be lots of room for you at these meetings, nobody other than bored Daily Bee reporters usually attend. Why not change that?

There is still a lot of explaining to do from the assessor and county commissioners. Most people are still steamed about the procedural slip-ups that caused millions of dollars not to be assessed in this county the past few years.

Finger pointing doesn't cut it. The fact that the county still didn't get all of the new construction accounted for this year, makes most people see red.

County government is supposed to help county residents. In most cases it does. But this time around, I think we as taxpayers need to get a little more involved in the process and demand more from our elected officials.

Democracy is a participatory process. If you aren't happy about your assessments, do something about it.

I plan to. This paper plans to. I hope you decide to get involved.

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.